Self-Marketing 101: Always Mention the Yankees

Jonathan Papelbon didn't just fall off the turnip truck. As our pals at Subway Squawkers and dozens of other outlets are reporting, the Bot knows the first salvo in any good contract negotiation with Red Sox management is dropping the Y word. From SIRIUS XM Radio's MLB Home Plate channel: Jody McDonald (host): “If you couldn’t work out a contract with the Red Sox before free agency comes up and you eventually become a free agent, is the Bronx ever a possibility?”Papelbon: “Oh, of course. I mean, I think if we can’t come to an agreement on terms here in a Red Sox uniform, I mean, I think that’s pretty much the writing on the wall. If they can’t come to terms with you they’re letting you know that, ‘Hey you know what? We can go somewhere else.’ And I think it’s the same way on the other side, ‘Hey if ya’ll can’t come to an agreement with me then I can go somewhere else.’ Not only in the Bronx, but anywhere.Take it from Johnny Damon, Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu and ...